Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Shalom,
Psalms
Psalm 19:13(12) – Part 12
Psalm 19:13(12) Who can discern his errors? Cleanse me of hidden faults.
This verse is made up of only five, well known, Hebrew words. That’s because of the use of prefixes and suffixes (along with some understood, but not specifically stated, prepositions). Let’s study the first part first, and then move on to the second part.
My amplified translation of the first part (three Hebrew words) is… “Who is wise enough to know or understand his own inadvertent sin or error?” These “errors” in Hebrew are “Sh’gi’ot.” The Shoresh is Shin-Gimel-Hey, which means “to wander or reel.” “Torah” means to aim straight or hit the mark (“Yarah” means to shoot an arrow). The opposite is to miss the target.
We have (humanity has) a problem. We are not wise enough to correct ourselves when we err. The affairs of the world pull us away from the ways of God. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. And, how is our mind renewed? Through relationship with Yeshua, Who is the Word made flesh to dwell among us. (John 1:14)
1John 1:6 If we say we have fellowship with Him and keep walking in the darkness, we are lying and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of His Son Yeshua purifies us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
The second part is made up of only two Hebrew words, “Nakah”(Nun-Quf-Hey) meaning “clean, innocent or blameless,” and “Satar”(Samech-Tav-Resh) meaning to hide, conceal or cover up, such as a secret hiding place. Therefore; “make me blameless of hidden faults.” Hundreds of years after King David, the Jewish prophet Isaiah put it this way… Isaiah 1:16 Wash and make yourselves clean. Put away the evil of your deeds from before My eyes. Cease to do evil.
Isaiah went on to give details concerning the choices available to all Israel. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good, seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.” 18 “Come now, let us reason together,” says Adonai. “Though your sins be like scarlet, they will be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they will become like wool. 19 If you are willing and obey, you will eat the good of the land. 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured with the sword.” For the mouth of Adonai has spoken.
Ultimately, God had to provide His only begotten Son to heal this breach in His relationship with His people, and in it, include all nations at the same time. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time came, God sent out His Son, born of a woman and born under law— 5 to free those under law, so we might receive adoption as sons. A blindspot is by definition a a hidden area we just can’t see. We can’t fix it because we can’t see it, and even if we could, we are the problem. The problem can’t fix the problem. But God can see everything. Ask Him to reveal the hidden places, and receive courage to be healed by His Spirit. Shalom shalom.
Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Wed 13-Nov-2024 12th of Cheshvan, 5785
Ge 19:21-21:4 Jos 23 Ps 23-24 Mt 16 (1 Jn 4)